Volume III, Issue 4

Bible Difficulties – Part Three

     In our two previous newsletters we have been looking at Bible difficulties.  In those editions, we defined what a Bible difficulty is and gave four reasons as to why God may have allowed them to be in His Word.  In this issue we will look at a few more reasons why the critics mistakenly charge the Bible with error. 

     One of the most common errors made by Bible critics occurs when they forget that the Bible often uses observational language.  In other words, not every passage in the Bible is written in technical language.  For example, in Joshua 10:12-13, God answered Joshua’s request to give him more time during the day to defeat the Gibeonites. 

     The critic loves to claim that the biblical author believed that the sun revolves around the Earth since it says that “the sun stood still.”  In no way does this mean that the Bible teaches geocentricity.  It is simply using the language of appearance.  From Joshua’s perspective, it looked like the sun was standing still.  We have trained scientists (meteorologists) who use this type of language everyday (sunrise and sunset).  Yet no one accuses them of believing in geocentricity.

     Bible critics seem to forget that the Bible also uses different types of literary devices.  In some places, such as Colossians 1:23, the author uses hyperbole to make a point.  In this passage, Paul states that the gospel was preached to every creature under heaven.  Of course, we are not supposed to think that the gospel was preached to ants or fish.  Paul is simply exaggerating to make a point, which is still a perfectly acceptable use of language.

      Finally, the critic errs when he confuses general statements with universal statements.  This normally happens in Proverbs and many Christians have even made the same mistake.  For example, Proverbs 22:6 states, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”  Proverbs often serve as general guidelines rather than divine promises.  Many Christian parents have raised their children in a godly manner and sadly, some of their kids have rejected God.  Is the Bible in error here?  Not at all!  Proverbs 22:6 is not a guarantee that a child will always become a believer if he is raised properly.  Nevertheless, parents should do their best to raise their children in a way that brings honor to God.

      In our next issue, we will show you how to deal with these types of difficulties.

Creation Museum Trips

      It’s almost here!  The Creation Museum in the Greater Cincinnati, Ohio area is set to open in about a month.  We are hoping to make at least three trips to the museum this summer.  Several people have already expressed interest in joining us for these trips.

      It takes about nine hours to get there from our area so it would be a two day trip.  We will likely leave on selected Friday mornings and return the following evening.  Please contact us if you would be interested in joining us on a trip to the museum.

Miscellaneous

     As always, if you have any questions, comment, concerns, corrections, ideas, prayer requests, etc., please email us and let us know.  Also, thank you for your prayers.  Please continue to keep us in your prayers throughout this month.

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